Multipurpose yoga device

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose yoga device designed for therapeutic, fitness and circus use which can be suspended in the doorway of a person&#39;s home or over any horizontal bar to allow a user to perform any of a large multiplicity of yoga exercises, movements, postures or functions ranging from, traction, inversion therapy (hanging upside down), correcting scoliosis, conditioning, total body stretching or strengthening, fascial self massage, partner massage, simple relaxation, client massage by trained massage therapists and tantric position for lovers, and said multipurpose yoga device comprising: a massage swing, a plurality of safe sticks, a plurality of fastening straps, a plurality of rings, a plurality of hand straps and a plurality of leg straps.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a device and a method oftherapeutic and fitness product. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a device and a method for a comfortable swing to beused in the practice of yoga positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a well-established fact that proper exercise is a component ofgood health. The practice of yoga has become very popular over theyears. Various types of yoga have been found to increase strength andflexibility, putting the yoga practitioner's mind at ease whileperforming the yoga poses, postures or positions. There are numeroustypes of yoga practices. Yoga itself is directed to the combined effectof physical, mental and spiritual necessities of yoga practitioners.Yoga in its various forms, has been practiced for thousands of years. Asa form of exercise, yoga stresses harmony of the body through stretchingand strengthening exercises.

Yoga has become a main stream activity in the west and is practised bypeople of all ages and body types, including the very unfit inflexibleones who have more likely spent large periods of their life sitting onoffice chairs or sofas with a collapsed posture and rounded lower back.Over time, this leads to the compression of the lower vertebra andstiffening of the lumbar fascia and lumbar and thoracic back muscles.

Yoga is most commonly known for forward bend sequences such as the ‘sunsalutation’ and ‘uttanasana’. These involve bending forward and, indogmatic variations such as Astanga, grasping the toes. For people withstiff thoracic and lumber fascia and muscles, this can result in furthercompression and possible nerve impingement as the lower back has toround excessively in order to reach the toes. This can cause sciaticaand often compression of the nerves between or near the L4-L5 vertebraljunction. The inflammation of these nerves can, in turn, cause thesurrounding muscles to tense and become immobile. As the muscles havetensed, there is less movement and so the lumber fascia also becomestight and immobile. As daily spontaneous movements and sports placedemands for greater movement on the muscle, the nearby muscle fibres,which are often located in the gluteus maximus, piriformus or quadratusloburum, tear as they pull and encounter resistance. This can form acollection of scarred mangled muscle fibres which form a knot, whichgets exponentially bigger, adding to compression on nearby nerves. Theblood flow through these fibres is therefore interrupted and lack of usemeans the body ‘forgets’ about the knot.

Attempts to stretch the area through repeated yoga forward bends worsensthe problem and can also lead to torn hamstrings. This is because theseyoga exercises require active use of the muscles, meaning they are beingcontracted while being stretched at the same time. This can be veryeffective and can imitate the ‘Muscle Energy Technique’ of sportsmassage. It is not, however, suitable for the scenario we havediscussed.

There is, therefore, a need to create more space in the lumbar region byloosening the muscles and creating more space between the vertebrae.There is also a need to send the attention of the body to the precisearea to provide more blood and hence oxygen and phagocytes to repaircells, reduce inflammation of lumbar nerves, passively stretch the tightmuscles in the lower back area to create more length without thecontraction which can result in tear from pulling on fibrous areas oftissue, and loosen the lumbar fascia.

There are a number of devices known in prior art which discloses yogadevices. There are also a number of yoga devices known in the art forpracticing yoga in an inverted position and for providing therapeuticfunctions.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,666 discloses a multi-function swing apparatus fortotal-body exercise, stretching, yoga, spinal traction, gymnastics,inversion therapy, spinal manipulation and weightless coupling and skychair. Some of the advantages of this invention which are uniqueinclude: Maneuverability—this invention is designed for total bodymovement, and a virtual infinite range of motion in all directions.Comfort—This unit is more comfortable due to the use of springs and athick foam or cotton cushion in the apron sling. Spring Action—Extensionsprings (or bunji cords) not only make it fun to play on but give addedcomfort for a smooth, gentle and cushioned bounce effect during use.Inversion Therapy—Besides allowing one to hang comfortably from thepelvic-waist area instead of by the feet as with other inversion units,the superiority of this design allows not only to hang either forwardand backwards during inversion, but also one can flex, extend or rotatethe trunk in order to accomplish stretching, strengthening and jointmobilization of the spine. Multiple handles and a pull up bar attachedto the swing apparatus at various levels allow for a greater variety ofstretches, exercises and movement pattern combinations. Multi-purpose—Ahammock-like option becomes available for relaxation by simply removingthe thigh pads, secured by velcro, and seat cushion, then suspendingeither end of the sling apart between two trees, using the cushion for apillow. Adjustability—not only can the multiple handles be adjusted inheight levels, but the sling or apron can be adjusted in height or widthto accommodate different exercises, movements or uses. Neuro-MuscularRe-education—due to the multiple handles and postures and movements thisapparatus affords makes it an ideal physical therapy device forneuromuscular re-education, re-patterning, exercises, andrehabilitation. Floating Meditation—affords the option for suspended orfloating meditation. Spin Capability—uses an optional swivel hook tohang pelvic sling from, which gives it the added capability of spinningwhile upright or inverted. Tone Bands and other props—attached to thesupport frame at varying heights are bunji-style tone bands which allowfor a variety of resistance exercises of the trunk and extremities. Thepoles work themselves as props and handles for even more exercises,poses and stretches. Versatility—provides a wide variety of applicationsand exercises including yoga, inversion therapy, strengthening,stretching, gymnastics, meditation, hammock use, skychair use, fun,proprioceptive exercise training and neuro-muscular re-education.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,593,708 discloses a Body Suspension Device which permitsa trapeze bar to be employed for treating back disorders by permittingthe human body to be suspended in an inverted position by the leg thighsand stabilized by disposing the legs upwardly with the feet resting uponthe pair of vertical elements which support the bar. This isaccomplished by providing at least one rotatable platform on the bar oneface of which platform is padded. By the use of this platform, the bodyweight is distributed over a much greater area than it would be were itall supported by the thighs resting on the bar itself. The paddingfurther affords additional comfort by itself yielding under the pressureof the user's thigh muscles. To prevent the person, when mounting thebar from a standing position and swinging over it to the invertedposition, from over swinging and possibly falling off, a transverseelement is extended between the vertical elements above from the bar atapproximately the level where the person's ankles would pass in an arcabout the bar if over swinging should occur.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,712 discloses a proprioceptive exercise, trainingand therapy apparatus for supporting and stabilizing at least a portionof the user's body and limbs from at least one elongated flexiblesupport member. Each flexible support member is releasably secured to aselected structural support means. A plurality of attachment points areprovided in sequential linear alignment on the flexible support member.An adjustable positioning means is provided on each flexible supportmember. A first user engagement member is in the form of a rigid,rectangular bar. A second user engagement member is in the form of aflexible body sling, with ends adapted for releasable securement to atleast one flexible support member. A third user engagement membercomprises at least one hand and foot coupling member, releasably securedto the flexible support member or to a suitable retaining means.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,055 discloses a yoga inversion bed with legattachment which is pivotable from a horizontal arrangement to avertical arrangement to controllably invert a human body from a supineposition to an inverted position. The arrangement of the bed iscontrolled by at least one electric actuator so that injured or illpersons may attain the inverted position safely and easily. Hanging bytheir legs, users are suspended in the inverted position by a trapezebar which is supported within a rotatable leg attachment; by adjustingthe position of the trapeze bar and the angle of the leg attachment,selective stimulation may be applied to targeted acupressure points. Aheating and/or vibrating unit may be included to provide furtherstimulation to the spine.

Numerous yoga devices are being made and sold by many companies. A fewexamples of such companies are Omgym, Zero gravity gym, Yoga bodynaturals, Yoga swings and Yoga Hammock. One of such companies uses‘parachute silk’, which is in fact nylon or similar materials, has avery unnatural look and feel. The ‘parachute silk’ bunches together ifthe user wants to wrap it around their sacrum like a belt. This gives avery unstable and slippery belt. This does not give a localised massageof the lumbar fascia or of muscles or muscle knots of the lower back.Also, the instability of the slippery bunched material does not allowthe body or muscles to feel firmly held, and so they may not be able tofully relax. These swings normally hang too wide and low for normaldoors. They also have a complicated look to them. The handles are madeout of plastic and rubber, which is not very strong and does not havethe natural look or feel that many yoga practitioners may want. Yoga isseen by some as the union of the self with universal consciousness. Itis strongly associated with an appreciation for nature. Plastic typematerials seem at odds to this to some people. These ‘parachute silk’hammock style yoga swings are often designed primarily to be hung fromring bolts drilled into the ceiling. While this is a good option forhanging, many people do not feel capable of this level of installation,nor do they have the tools, or perhaps the right to structurally alterrented accommodation. These ‘parachute silk’ hammock style yoga swingsare often very costly.

The products designed to be installed into the walls of yoga studios,such as the Yoga Wall involves complex installation and a collection ofexpensive parts. Generic polyester inversion swings that can be foundhanging in yoga shalas in India are often homemade and are not verystrong, thus lack safety. While they use the same simple system ofwrapping the belt over a bar and then passing the main belt of the swingthrough a loop at the end of the swing, they are then normally onlyfastened by a simple straight edged stick. This is dangerous as it cansimply slip out, meaning the loop system slips out and the user may fallon their head.

Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for a yoga devicethat will enable an user to create more space in the lumbar region byloosening the muscles and creating more space between the vertebrae.There also exists in the art a long felt need for a yoga device thatprovides very localized and firm pressure and thus sends the attentionof the body to the precise area to provide more blood, increasedphagocytes and oxygen to repair cells. Additionally, there is a longfelt need in the art for a training device that can be used to reduceinflammation of lumbar nerves, passively stretch the tight muscles inthe lower back area to create more length without the contraction whichcan cause tear from pulling on fibrous areas of tissue, and loosen thelumbar fascia. Finally, there is a long-felt need for a yoga device thataccomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and that is relativelyinexpensive to manufacture, natural to look and feel, quick to install,safe, strong, comfortable and easy to use.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a multipurpose yoga devicewhich is both a therapeutic and fitness product.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose yoga devicethat is designed to be hung in the doorway of a person's home or overany horizontal bar.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose yogadevice which is used for conditioning and yoga stretches.

A still another object of the invention is to provide a multipurposeyoga device which is used as a circus equipment for training andperforming.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose yogadevice with a simple attachment mechanism that needs no tools, is simplefor anyone to understand, can be manufactured without metal or unnaturallooking parts, can be assembled in a matter of seconds, and is strong towithstand a force of at least 1 Kilo Newton.

A further object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose yogadevice which is made out of natural cotton.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a multipurposeyoga device which is stable enough to provide self-massage, partnermassage, client massage by trained massage therapists and tantricpositions for lovers.

A still another object of the invention is to provide a multipurposeyoga device which provides creating more space in the lumbar region byloosening the muscles and creating more space between the vertebrae.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose yogadevice which helps in sending the attention of the body to the preciseproblem area of the lower back to provide more blood and hence oxygenand phagocytes to repair fibrous and/or torn cells.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from theensuing description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,is a multipurpose yoga device comprising of a massage swing with loopedends, a plurality of safe sticks and a plurality of fastening straps.The multipurpose yoga device further comprises of a plurality of rings,wherein said rings can be attached to the massage swing at differentlocations. The multipurpose yoga device further comprises of a pluralityof hand straps and a plurality of leg straps wherein said hand strapsact as handles and said leg straps act as a place for the legs or feetto rest. The multipurpose yoga device further comprises of a pluralityof hook and loop fasteners.

The massage swing is preferably 4 meter long, 65 millimetre (mm) wideand 6 millimetre thick and has a 20 centimeter (cm) loop at each end.The massage swing preferably comprises of three 2 millimeter of cottonlayers sewed together with nylon thread. More specifically, the 65millimetre of cotton belt has a specific tightness of weave. It is bothloose and large enough to have some ‘bounce’ or ‘give’ and firm enoughto provide the firm hold of the heel of the hand of a massage therapist.As the cotton belt rests on the sacrum, the weight of the body pushes itinto the lumbar fascia, which is seldom massaged because it covers thebones of the sacrum and the iliac crest. This fascia is fundamental to agood walking pattern and therefore to the correct functioning of theentire muscular system. The Thoracolumbar fascia can be seen as a bigrubber band connecting the upper torso with the legs. If it is generallystiff or is stiffer on one side, this can result in increased pull oncertain muscles and associated joint inflammation. This is often seen ina spiral of inflamed knees, lower back pain and frequent tears inanterior deltoid shoulder muscles on the opposite side of the body fromthe knee.

The safe stick is also preferably dumbbell shaped and is comprised of a15 centimeter long one piece stick. The Safe Stick is to stop themassage swing in the middle from slipping off. To provide further safetyholes have been drilled through the middle. The fastening strap iswrapped around the massage swing, through these grooves, out through theother side, and then is wrapped around the massage swing and secured byhook and loop fasteners. This leaves no possibility for the swing tofall out.

The leg straps and hand straps attach to the massage swing by using thesafe stick. They add extra functionality to the swing and stability forless confident users. They have large loops at each end to be attachedto rings or they can also be used as handles without rings as a cheaperoption.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another aspectthereof, is a method of use of the multipurpose yoga device. In apreferred embodiment a doorway pull up bar is installed over the top ofa door frame. Stability of the doorway pull up bar by hanging from theuser's hands is checked. Each one of the looped ends of the massageswing is hanged over the highest of the two bars. The looped ends of thestrap is wrapped around the bar two to three times until the bottom ofthe massage swing is hanging just below waist height. The user's hand ispushed through one of the hanging loops. Then the user takes hold of thestraight hanging part of the strap. The user then pulls the long hangingpart of the strap through the loop at the end of the strap to formanother loop. The safe stick is put through the loop and then themassage swing is pulled above and below the stick so that it tightensaround the safe stick. This secures the massage swing to the doorwaypull up bar. The massage swing is between the two wider ends of the safestick so that it cannot slip out. Once both the safe sticks areinserted, the height of the bottom of the massage swing is at aboutwaist height. This will mean that when inverted, the user's head is aninch or two off the floor. The fastening straps are added for extrasafety. The fastening strap is to be held horizontally end to end behindthe safe stick with the loop and hook fastener side facing the user. Thetwo hook and loop fastener ends are brought towards each other as if theuser wants to stick them together but then at the last minute theyshould be crossed over. The ends of the fastening strap are fed throughthe holes in the middle of the safe stick. The right end of thefastening strap is to be wrapped round the back of the massage swing andround the front in a counter clockwise direction so that the hook andthe loop fastening side is facing the user. The left side of thefastening strap is wrapped round the back of the swing and round thefront in a clockwise direction so that the two hook and loop fastenerssides stick together.

Consequently, the multipurpose yoga device of the present inventionenables a user to create more space in the lumbar region by looseningthe muscles and creating more space between the vertebrae. Themultipurpose yoga device provides sending the attention of the body tothe precise area to provide more blood and hence oxygen and phagocytesto repair cells. Additionally, the multipurpose yoga device can be usedto reduce inflammation of lumbar nerves, passively stretch the tightmuscles in the lower back area to create more length without thecontraction which can cause tear from pulling on fibrous areas oftissue, and loosen the lumbar fascia. Finally, the multipurpose yogadevice is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, natural to look andfeel, quick to install, safe, strong, comfortable and easy to use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the multipurpose yoga devicewhere massage swing is hanged from a doorway pull up bar installed overthe top of a door frame in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the multipurpose yoga devicecomprising of massage swing with looped ends, a plurality of safesticks, a plurality of fastening straps and a plurality of rings inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a safe stick tied with a fastening strap inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a multipurpose yoga device with a person performing ayoga position with the use of the massage swing in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the inventioncan be practiced without these specific details.

The multipurpose yoga device of the present invention enables a user increating more space in the lumbar region by loosening the muscles andcreating more space between the vertebrae. The multipurpose yoga deviceprovides sending the attention of the body to the precise area toprovide more blood and hence oxygen and phagocytes to repair cells.Additionally, the multipurpose yoga device can be used to reduceinflammation of lumbar nerves, passively stretch the tight muscles inthe lower back area to create more length without the contraction whichcan cause tearage from pulling on fibrous areas of tissue, and loosenthe lumbar fascia. Finally, the multipurpose yoga device is relativelyinexpensive to manufacture, natural to look and feel, quick to install,safe, strong, comfortable and easy to use.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of themultipurpose yoga device of the present invention wherein massage swing110 is hanged from a doorway pull up bar 105 installed over the top of adoor frame 100. Safe sticks 120 are also shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of themultipurpose yoga device of the present invention, comprising of amassage swing 110 with looped ends, a plurality of safe sticks 120 and aplurality of fastening straps 130. The multipurpose yoga device furthercomprises of a plurality of rings 135, wherein said rings 135 can beattached to the massage swing 110 at different locations. Themultipurpose yoga device further comprises of a plurality of hand straps140 and a plurality of leg straps 145 wherein said hand straps 140 actas handles and said leg straps 145 act as a place for the legs or feetto rest. The fastening strap 130 further comprises of hook and loopfasteners. The massage swing 110 is preferably longitudinal in shape.The massage swing 110 can be manufactured from any suitable naturalmaterial known in the art such as cotton etc. and can withstand a forceof at least 1 Kilo Newton. The massage swing 110 can also bemanufactured in a variety of lengths, sizes, colors, styles and designsto accommodate user preference.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, safe stick 120 is preferably dumbbell shapedand is a one piece stick. A hole is drilled through the middle of thesafe stick 120. The safe stick 120 can be manufactured from any suitablematerial known in the art such as camphor wood, alder wood etc. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, fastening strap 130 is preferably longitudinal inshape. The fastening strap 130 has hook and loop fasteners sections ateach end. One end has hook and the other end has loop. The fasteningstrap 130 can be manufactured from any suitable material known in theart such as polypropylene etc. The fastening strap 130 can also bemanufactured in a variety of lengths, sizes, colors, styles and designsto accommodate user preference.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, rings 135 are an accessory product to themultipurpose yoga device. They are designed to allow the user of themassage swing 110 to lower themselves down to an inverted positionwithout using abdominal muscles excessively.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the hand straps 140 and leg straps 145 are anaccessory product to the multipurpose yoga device. They are designed toallow the user of the massage swing 110 to lower themselves down to aninverted position without using abdominal muscles excessively. This alsoapplies for coming out of the massage swing 110 to an upright positionfrom an inverted position. The hand straps 140 and leg straps 145 alsomake the massage swing 110 much more versatile, allowing an increasedrange of movements, stretches, yoga poses, self massage, partner massageand tantric positions.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 in a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the use of massage swing 110 for a performing a yoga positionis shown.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the massage swing110 is preferably 4 meter (m) long, 65 millimeter (mm) wide and 6millimeter (mm) thick and has a 20 centimeter (cm) loop at each end. The6 millimeter (mm) thickness of large weave cotton preferably comprisesof three 2 mm of cotton layers sewed together with nylon thread.Nonetheless, it is contemplated that other dimensions could also be usedwithout affecting the overall concept of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the safety stick 120is preferably 15 cm long one piece stick shaped like a dumbbell. Atleast one 27 mm×5 mm hole is drilled through the middle. Nonetheless, itis contemplated that other dimensions could also be used withoutaffecting the overall concept of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fastening strap130 is preferably 76 cm long. The fastening strap 130 is preferably 1inch wide and 1 mm thick. The fastening strap 130 has preferably hookand loop fastener sections at each end. Nonetheless, it is contemplatedthat other dimensions could also be used without affecting the overallconcept of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the rings 135 arestandard size Olympic rings. The thickness of the wooden ring (Pipediameter) is preferably 30 mm. The external diameter of the entire ringis preferably 235 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hand straps 140and leg straps 145 are designed to be used with 23.5 centimeter rings,which act as handles for the user of the massage swing 110. Each handstrap 140 has a large loop at both ends. The large loop has preferablyan opening 28 centimeter long to allow the ring to pass through easilyto use the attachment method. The leg straps 145 are designed for usewith the legs, for positions such as splits or for tantric positions.Preferably two leg straps 145 are needed for each massage Swing 110. Thehand straps 140 are designed for use primarily with the hands, forstabilisation and conditioning moves. Two hand straps 140 are preferablyneeded for each massage swing 110. The strap is preferably 100% naturalcotton and is a natural cotton colour. The strap is preferably 65millimeter wide, 4 millimeter thick, and is preferably comprised of two2 millimeter layers sewn together at the edges. The strap and all sewingpoints must have a minimum breaking point of 1 Kilo Newton (KN). The legstrap 145 is preferably 155 centimeter end to end when its two loops arealready sewed in. To make the large loops, preferably an extra 31centimeter of strap is needed for each one. This is to providepreferably a flat loop diameter of 28 centimeter from the end of thelarge loop to the first line of stitching.

Method of Installation of the Multipurpose Yoga Device

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a doorway pull upbar is installed over the top of a door frame. Stability of the doorwaypull up bar by is checked by hanging from it. Each one of the loopedends of the massage swing 110 is hanged over the highest of the twobars. The looped ends of the strap is wrapped around the bar two tothree times until the bottom of the massage swing 110 is hanging justbelow waist height. The user's hand is pushed through one of the hangingloops. Then the user takes hold of the straight hanging part of thestrap. The user then pulls the long hanging part of the strap throughthe loop at the end of the strap to form another loop. The safe stick isput through the loop and then the massage swing is pulled above andbelow the stick so that it tightens around the safe stick 120. Thissecures the swing to the doorway pull up bar. The massage swing 110 isbetween the two wider ends of the safe stick 120 so that it cannot slipout. Once both the safe sticks 120 are inserted, the height of thebottom of the massage swing 110 is at about waist height. This will meanthat when inverted, the user's head is an inch or two off the floor.

The fastening straps 130 are added for extra safety. The fastening strap130 is to be held horizontally end to end behind the safe stick 120 withthe hook 10 and loop 20 fastener side facing the user. The two hook andloop fastener ends are brought towards each other as if the user wantsto stick them together but then at the last minute they should becrossed over. The ends of the fastening strap 130 is fed through thehole in the middle of the safe stick 120. The right end of the fasteningstrap 130 is to be wrapped round the back of the swing and round thefront in a counter clockwise direction so that the hook 10 and the loop20 fastening side is facing the user. The left side of the fasteningstrap 130 is wrapped round the back of the massage swing 110 and roundthe front in a clockwise direction so that the two hook and loopfastener sides stick together.

How to Install and Use the Multipurpose Yoga Device in Doors without aBar

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the massageswing can be hanged in doors without using doorway pull up bars. Thistechnique is not suitable for all doors. This technique is suitable onlyif the door closes firmly with a handle. In some cases, there is a verytight gap between the top of the door and the doorframe and the massageswing will not fit or the door will not close firmly.

The massage swings 110 should only be hanged so that the pressure of themassage swing 110 closes the door towards the wall rather than openingit.

The user positions on the side of the door so the user would pull thehandle towards himself or herself to close the door.

2. The door should be opened to an angle of 45 degrees.

3. The massage swing 110 should hang over the top of the door so thatthe message swing 110 hangs at waist height. This is normally about theheight of the handle.

4. Going to the other side of the door and knots are to be tied aroundthe safe sticks 120 at the very top of the door to stop the massageswing sliding through the top of the door. An alternative option is tosimply tie single or double knots without the safe sticks 120.

5. Placing a sign on the side of the door with the knots to warn peoplenot to open the door.

6. Going back to the other side of the door with the swing and the dooris closed. Make sure the door is firmly closed and the user hears theclick of the handle. This should be tested by trying to open the doorwithout pushing the handle down. If the door is not completely firmlyclosed, the user should not attempt to hang in this way.

7. Pulling on the swing to take any slack out so that the swings/knotsare tightly against the other side of the door.

8. Standing between the door and the massage swing 110 with the massageswing 110 round user's waist and putting all user's weight into themassage swing 110 while still standing up to test the massage swing 110is firmly installed.

9. Positioning the massage swing 110 at the level of the sacrum.

10. Facing the door, grabbing and holding of both sides of the massageswing 110 and turning user's body sideways and walking user's feet upthe doorframe until user is upside down.

11. Repositioning the massage swing 110 if it has moved so that it is onthe sacrum and user's back is hanging straight.

12. Hanging out like a monkey getting out of the massage swing 110 whenit is hung over a door.

Getting Out of the Massage Swing when it is Hung Over a Door

Bending user's knees and pushing against the doorframe with user's feet.

Grabbing of one of the sides of the massage swing and engaging user'sarms as a counter lever as user brings his or her legs down to the floorand user's upper torso raises up.

Placing user's feet on the ground.

The user may want to turn around away from the door and bend forwardover the swing to get used to standing up again. This will act as a nicehamstring and upper glutes stretch.

Having now described the preferred embodiment of multipurpose yogadevice, its use and advantages will now be described.

The self-massage effect—The massage swing is designed differently toother hammock style Yoga Swings. It is 6 mm thick and 65 mm wide so itfits neatly on the sacrum (the flat bone at the bottom of the back) andsinks in to the lumbar fascia and the upper glutes to loosen up what isoften a very tight and compressed area. The 65 mm width of 100% cottoncan give a deep Neuromuscular type by pushing into areas of fibrous hardmuscle tissue in the deep rotator muscles such as the piriformis. Thisis the kind of technique you pay massage therapists £60 an hour for andnow you can have it every day. The pressure of the strap stimulates thedeep nerves and sends the attention of the body to the area which sends,allowing healing and repair of damaged and twisted muscle fibres and theflushing away of stagnant tissue

The spinal decompression effect (traction)—Normal conditions of gravityand the results of bad posture from office sitting result in thecompression of the vertebrae over time. This can cause nerves to becompressed, particularly in the lumbar lower back region, and so musclestense and contract as a defence mechanism to protect the spine, which inturn puts more pressure on spinal nerves and so pain can result in theback and trigger points all over the body. Sciatica is a good example ofthis. Inversions in the massage swing turn gravity on its head, turningcompression into decompression. The muscles of the back no longer haveto do their job of keeping the upper torso straight and so they relaxand become passive, allowing the weight of the head and body to gentlycreate space between the hanging point: the sacrum, and the main weight:the head. This is traction. This will make the user longer, taller andstraighter.

The anti-office effect—People tend to round both their lower back andtheir shoulders when sitting in office chairs for hours on end. Thisresults in a shortening of the chest muscles and a deactivation of themuscles which should maintain a healthy natural inwards curve in thelumbar region. As the user hangs upside down, the indiscriminatepressure of gravity straightens out rounded areas and helps restore thebody to healthy anatomical alignment.

The passive yoga effect—Almost all yoga poses can be performed in themassage swing, but with passive muscles rather than muscles which areactive holding the body up. Although the benefits of activating healthymuscle function while stretching are enormous, sometimes particularlytight muscles need a softer approach. Stretching without the effect ofgravity can lead to a deeper stretch and help the user to convincemuscles that they can stretch further by reducing their reflex tocontract.

The spinal straightening effect (correcting scoliosis)—Almost all peoplehave some kind of coliosis (spine veers to the right or left whenlooking from behind). This can lead to unequal muscle load and posturalimbalances, which can worsen over the years and lead to significantpain. Gravity helps encourage the spine to find its natural straightform.

Other key benefits of the multipurpose yoga device include but notlimited to:

Deep massage of back muscles such as the rhomboids, the trapezius andthe rotator cuff muscles is facilitated as they relax entirely.

Improved circulation as the lymph system is turned upside down.

Relief for pregnant women as the constant downwards weight of the babyis turned upside down.

The massage swing can be hanged on anything that provides a horizontalplace to hang, such as:

Strong tree branches

Football goal posts

Wooden cross beams in old houses or warehouses

Hooks or loops installed into ceilings.

Olympic rings—This allows the user to swing a lot.

Wall mounted pull up bars.

Staircases and banisters.

The maximum height for the hanging point the user can have the bottom ofthe swing easily accessible at waist height is 2.5 meters. The user canof course hang the massage swing at any height if the user is strongenough and agile enough to get into it.

With a length of 4 meters, the maximum height for the hanging point is2.5 meters if the user wants the bottom of the swing to hang at aboutwaist height for easy use. It can be hung at any height if ease of entryis not an issue.

Load information—The multipurpose yoga device is safe for use by a 120kilogram person if the stick and strap are used as per instructions.This gives a standard ten times margin for error before stick breakagebegins to occur with a force of 1 Kilo Newton.

Extra information—The multipurpose yoga device has been tested byspecialised machinery and can withstand a static force of 5 Kilo Newtonbefore it begins to tear. It has also been tested by specialisedmachinery. It can withstand a static force of 1.2 Kilo Newton if theforce is straight down on the centre of the stick. If the Monkey Stickis hanging on its side through the worst case scenario of incorrect usewhereby the strap is putting pressure on the wide end of the stick, thebreaking strength is 0.5 Newton.

Washing—The multipurpose yoga device can be machine or hand washed at 40degrees Celsius. The safe sticks should be kept dry and left in warm,airy and dry place if they get damp.

How to Use the Massage Swing for Spinal Decompression

-   -   1. Testing the massage swing 110 and doorway pull up bar are        correctly installed by holding both sides of the massage swing        110 and pulling down with all user's body weight.    -   2. Standing facing the door with the massage swing 110 behind        the user hanging at user's waist. If the massage swing 110 is at        user's waist then the user's head will clear the floor when the        user invert, depending on the user's body proportions.    -   3. Standing straight and about 30 centimeter from the door,        positioning the massage swing 110 on the user's sacrum,        otherwise known as the flat bone at the bottom of the back. This        is the space just above the gluteal cleft (bum crack). The user        may have to raise onto the tiptoes to get the swing into this        position.    -   4. With the user's thumbs pointing upwards and palms facing        inward, the user needs to hold the strap between thumb and index        finger either side and slightly in front of the waist.    -   5. Keeping user's body quite straight, the user needs to lean        his or her weight back into the swing enough to stop the strap        sliding up the user's back. If the swing does slide up, the user        will end up in a back bend, which may cause some lumbar (lower        back) compression.    -   6. Maintaining some of user's weight on the strap, the user        needs to shuffle his or her feet forwards slightly so the user's        body assumes a 45 degree angle to the door.    -   7. Now the user's weight is holding the strap in place. The user        needs to move his or her hands up to about the height of about        135 cm from the end of the sling. While the user lift one of his        or her legs of the floor and then the other leg of the floor as        the user swing slightly and lower his or her upper torso to a        more horizontal position. To save effort from user's abdominal        muscles the user needs to bend his or her legs towards self in a        tuck position.    -   8. The user needs to walk his or her hands down the strap as the        user place his or her bent knees on the outside of the massage        swing 110 and lower his or her head towards the floor. The user        can place his or her feet together for a feeling of security, or        can keep them open. This will allow the user's pelvis more        freedom and will also mean the swing puts less pressure on the        inner thigh.    -   9. When the user's head is near the floor, the user needs to        release his or hands and let them hang.    -   10. Repositioning the strap as necessary for comfort and        alignment. If the massage swing 110 is correctly positioned on        the user's sacrum, user's back will hang straight and the weight        of the user's upper body and head together with gravity will        gently create space in vertebrae and passively stretch user's        back muscles and open his or her chest and shoulders. Many        curvaceous women may need to position the swing lower than the        sacrum in the middle of the buttocks to avoid excessive anterior        tilt of the pelvis.

Consequently, the multipurpose yoga device of the present inventionenables a user in creating more space in the lumbar region by looseningthe muscles and creating more space between the vertebrae. Themultipurpose yoga device provides sending the attention of the body tothe precise area to provide more blood and hence oxygen and phagocytesto repair cells. Additionally, the multipurpose yoga device can be usedto reduce inflammation of lumbar nerves, passively stretch the tightmuscles in the lower back area to create more length without thecontraction which can cause tearage from pulling on fibrous areas oftissue, and loosen the lumbar fascia. Finally, the multipurpose yogadevice is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, natural to look andfeel, quick to install, safe, strong, comfortable and easy to use.

Additionally, other variations are within the spirit of the presentinvention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustratedembodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described abovein detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intentionto limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but onthe contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternativeconstructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope ofthe invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variationsof those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventorexpects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, andthe inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes allmodifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described elements in all possible variationsthereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicatedherein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multipurpose yoga device designed fortherapeutic, fitness and circus use which can be suspended in thedoorway of a person's home or over any horizontal bar to allow a user toperform any of a large multiplicity of yoga exercises, movements,postures or functions ranging from, traction, inversion therapy (hangingupside down), correcting scoliosis, conditioning, total body stretchingor strengthening, fascial self massage, partner massage, simplerelaxation, client massage by trained massage therapists and tantricposition for lovers, and said multipurpose yoga device comprising: amassage swing comprising a longitudinal shaped cotton woven swing withlooped ends whose central section or saddle portion hangs freelydownward once both upper ends of said massage swing are hanged to bothends of an overhead doorway pull up bar which hangs horizontallysuspended from a door frame (a support frame), whereby said massageswing is wrapped snugly plurality of times around said doorway pull upbar; a plurality of dumbbell shaped removable safe sticks with a hole inthe middle of each said safe stick designed for insertion of each saidsafe stick into a second loop formed at said loop ends of said massageswing by means of pulling the massage swing above and below the saidsafe stick so that it tightens around said safe stick; a plurality offastening straps comprising of a longitudinal shaped strap whoseopposing ends have a hook and loop fasteners and said fastening strap isfed through said hole of said safe sticks and right end of saidfastening straps are wrapped around the back of said massage swing andaround the front in a counter clockwise direction and left side of saidfastening straps are wrapped around the back of said massage swing andaround the front in a counter clockwise direction so that said hook andloop fasteners are stuck together and whose purpose thereby is toprovide extra safety to a user; a plurality of rings adjustablyattachable to said massage swing for the purpose of allowing the user ofsaid massage swing to lower themselves down to an inverted positionwithout using abdominal muscles excessively; and a plurality of handstraps and a plurality of leg straps both comprising of straps made ofcotton and both having loops at both ends thereby allowing said ring topass through said loops of said hand straps wherein said hand straps actas handles for said user of said massage swing and said leg straps aredesigned for use with the legs.
 2. The multipurpose yoga device as inclaim 1, wherein said multipurpose yoga device does not require tool forassembling and can be assembled within 60 seconds.
 3. The multipurposeyoga device as in claim 1, wherein said multipurpose yoga device uses nometal.
 4. The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, wherein saidmultipurpose yoga device provides creating more space in the lumbarregion by loosening the muscles and creating more space between thevertebrae.
 5. The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, wherein saidmultipurpose yoga device helps in sending the attention of the body tothe precise problem area of the lower back to provide more blood andhence oxygen and phagocytes to repair fibrous and/or torn cells.
 6. Themultipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, wherein said massage swing canwith stand a force of at least 1 Kilo Newton.
 7. The multipurpose yogadevice as in claim 1, wherein said massage swing is manufactured in avariety of lengths, sizes, colors, styles and designs.
 8. Themultipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, wherein said safety stick is aone piece stick.
 9. The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, whereinsaid safety stick is made of camphor wood, alder wood or any othersuitable material.
 10. The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1,wherein said fastening strap is made of polypropylene, nylon or anyother suitable material.
 11. The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1,wherein said fastening strap is manufactured in a variety of lengths,sizes, colors, styles and designs.
 12. The multipurpose yoga device asin claim 1, wherein said ring is made of wood or any other suitablematerial.
 13. The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, wherein saidring is standard size Olympic ring.
 14. The multipurpose yoga device asin claim 1, wherein two said hand straps are needed for each saidmassage swing.
 15. The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, whereinsaid hand straps are designed for use with the hands for stabilizationand conditional moves.
 16. The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1,wherein two said leg straps are needed for each said massage swing. 17.The multipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, wherein said leg straps aredesigned for use with the legs for splits and tantric positions.
 18. Themultipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, wherein said hand straps andsaid leg straps have a minimum breaking point of 1 Kilo Newton.
 19. Themultipurpose yoga device as in claim 1, wherein said multipurpose yogadevice is washable.
 20. The method of installation of a multipurposedevice as in claim 1, comprising the steps of: providing a massage swingwith looped ends, a plurality of safe sticks, a plurality of fasteningstraps, a plurality of rings, a plurality of hook and loop fasteners, aplurality of hand straps and a plurality of leg straps; installing adoorway pull up bar over the top of a door frame; checking the stabilityof said doorway pull up bar by hanging from a user's hand; hanging eachone of the looped ends of said massage swing over the highest of the twobars; wrapping the looped ends of said strap around said doorway pull upbar two to three times until the bottom of said massage swing is hangingjust below waist height; pushing user's hand through one of the hangingloops and taking hold of the straight hanging part of said strap;pulling the long hanging part of said strap through the loop at the endof said strap to form a second loop; putting said safe stick throughsaid second loop and then pulling said massage swing above and belowsaid safe stick so that said massage swing tightens around said safestick; checking the height of the bottom of said swing is at waistheight; holding said fastening strap horizontally end to end behind saidsafe stick with said hook and loop fasteners facing said user; bringingsaid hook and loop fastener ends towards each other as if the user wantsto stick them together but at the last minute the user cross them over;feeding the ends of said fastening strap through a hole in the middle ofsaid safe stick; wrapping the right end of said fastening strap roundthe back of said massage swing and round the front in a counterclockwise direction so that hook and loop fastener side is facing theuser; and wrapping the left side of said fastening strap round the backof said massage swing and round the front in a counter clockwisedirection so that hook and loop fastener stick together; wherein saidmassage swing is also hanged in doors without said doorway pull up barand said massage swing is also hanged on anything that provides ahorizontal place to hang.